Can kyphoplasty treat a herniated disc?

No. Kyphoplasty supports a fractured vertebra, while a herniated disc involves disc material pressing into nearby tissues or nerves.

What imaging may help assess kyphoplasty?

Magnetic resonance imaging can show the fracture and nearby soft tissues. X-rays can show changes in vertebral shape and alignment.

What happens if pain continues after kyphoplasty?

Ongoing pain calls for a clinical review. The care team may check for another pain source, such as a nearby joint, disc, nerve, or untreated fracture.

Glossary

What Is Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive spine procedure that treats some painful vertebral compression fractures. A doctor guides a small instrument into the collapsed vertebra, creates space with a balloon, and fills the space with bone cement. The cement supports the bone and may help reduce fracture-related pain and spinal deformity.

Quick Facts About Kyphoplasty

Key Takeaways About Kyphoplasty

A balloon creates space inside the affected vertebra.
The procedure targets certain compression fractures in the spine.
Kyphoplasty isn't the same as disc surgery.

How Kyphoplasty Works

Hands hold a medical tool near a spine model on a table, with the word “Kyphoplasty” visible

Kyphoplasty uses imaging guidance to place a narrow instrument inside a damaged vertebra. A small balloon creates space within the bone. The doctor then fills that space with bone cement, which hardens and supports the vertebra.

Related glossary terms: Vertebral Compression Fracture, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Fluoroscopy.

The procedure focuses on the fractured vertebra, not the spinal discs or nearby nerves. A clinical evaluation helps determine whether the fracture matches the pain pattern and whether kyphoplasty fits the spine injury.

What Imaging Shows

Imaging helps locate the fracture and guide the procedure. X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, or other scans may show bone collapse, swelling, or another source of pain.

A doctor points at a kyphoplasty spine diagram while speaking with a seated patient at a table

From the Premier Injury Specialists team

When we evaluate a spine injury, we review the symptoms, examination findings, and available imaging together. We check whether a vertebral compression fracture explains the pain before discussing kyphoplasty as a possible treatment. Our team also considers other spine conditions that may need a different plan.

Kyphoplasty in Practice: A Real-World Example

A person develops sharp back pain after a vertebral compression fracture and has trouble standing comfortably. During a spine injury evaluation, the clinician reviews imaging and considers whether kyphoplasty may support the affected vertebra.